MP Samiksha Banskota Raises Concern Over Vacant Seats Potentially Impacting Democracy

Summary: Edited in a critical perspective. MP Samiksha Banskota of the Rastriya Swatantra Party emphasized the need to remain vigilant about the possible negative impact vacant seats in parliament could have on democracy. She stated that since the current situation has stemmed from movements demanding change, it is essential to proceed according to the people’s aspirations.

March 9, Kathmandu – Samiksha Banskota, a member of parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), expressed concern over vacant seats in the parliament stemming from an old guard, warning they could adversely affect democracy. Sharing her views during Wednesday’s House of Representatives session, she cautioned that the presence of empty seats might indicate a fresh blow to democratic processes.

“Seeing the empty seats in the front rows today, one wonders whether this revered parliament building and democracy itself might be under threat again. It feels as though we have begun to undermine democracy,” she said. She highlighted that the current state has arisen out of various pro-change movements and stressed the importance of advancing in line with public demands. She also underlined the necessity of adopting development policies that prioritize the country’s backward regions. Addressing the Karnali highway issue, she urged the government to pay greater attention to education and health services for the people of Karnali.